Did you know that, according to Statista, the global technology market has already surpassed $5 trillion a year? Much of this innovation is inspired, either directly or indirectly, by ideas we’ve seen in the movies. These inventions are no longer just fiction, they’re now part of many companies’ daily routines and of anyone who keeps up with trends. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing “Matrix”-style worlds, talking to an intelligent robot like in “Blade Runner,” or seeing “Star Wars”-like holograms, it’s safe to say: the future arrived faster than we thought.
We’ve selected five technologies that were born to impress on the big screen but already exist, or are close to becoming reality, in our world. And here’s the best part: companies like NextAge are already helping businesses apply these trends in their day-to-day operations.
1. Virtual Reality
Movies like “Matrix” and “Tron” portrayed digital universes where people could connect and even live complete experiences outside the physical world. What once seemed pure fantasy is now part of many people’s everyday lives. Immersive environments created by virtual reality are making it possible to conduct trainings, simulations, meetings, and even medical treatments in entirely new ways.
VR goggles and 3D environments are widely used by companies for corporate training, remote learning, and risk scenario simulations. Hospitals already use them to train for surgical procedures by faithfully simulating the human body, universities apply VR for anatomy lessons, and large industries leverage virtual reality for workplace safety. Access to this kind of technology is increasingly straightforward, and the possibilities just keep expanding.
2. Artificial Intelligence
In “Blade Runner” and “Ex Machina,” nearly human AIs challenge the boundaries between machine and person. In the “Iron Man” universe, the AI J.A.R.V.I.S. controls entire systems, assists with routines, and makes decisions. Clearly, the AIs depicted in movies have empathy and personality, but today we’re already surrounded by intelligent systems: virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, customer service bots, social media filters, shopping suggestions, and facial recognition systems.
In businesses, AI has taken on strategic roles, from analyzing vast amounts of data to predict business opportunities, to automating customer service and enhancing user experience. In sectors such as HR, finance, logistics, and IT, it’s impossible to ignore the positive impact of this technology. That’s where the expertise of teams like NextAge comes in, developing tailor-made intelligent systems for those who want to leverage AI for business, just as we do with our own NextFlow AI.
3. Holography
For many people, the first time they heard about holography was seeing Princess Leia sending a distress message in “Star Wars.” 3D images floating in the air, without a screen or glasses, seemed like impossible fiction. Today, events, shows, and even corporate meetings already use holograms to create immersive and interactive experiences.
At major conferences, it’s now possible to see speakers or products presented in lifelike three-dimensional form. In retail, innovative stores use holography to showcase new products and usage instructions. While technical limitations still exist, new applications are being developed every day, changing the way people interact with digital content. Companies that want to stand out in communication count on specialists to implement this kind of innovation, creating real, memorable impact.
4. 3D Printing
Science fiction movies often feature machines that create anything in seconds, like the replicators seen in “Star Trek.” While 3D printing isn’t quite at that level yet, it’s already transforming the manufacturing, healthcare, and construction industries. Today, 3D printers are capable of producing everything from machine parts and medical prosthetics to jewelry, toys, food, and even houses.
With digital files turned into physical objects, companies can reduce costs, test prototypes, customize products, and accelerate production processes. In medicine, it’s now possible to develop custom prosthetics, anatomical models, and even organs for study or transplant. Every year, the price of equipment drops and accessibility increases, making this tech ever more strategic for businesses of all sizes. With the right consulting, integrating this technology becomes simpler, safer, and more efficient.
5. Autonomous Robots
R2D2 and C-3PO have become synonymous with robots across generations. Always helpful, attentive, and (sometimes) funny, they now inspire real robots working in factories, hospitals, and schools. What used to be confined to labs is now automating cleaning, transporting goods, and even providing customer service in stores and malls.
In industry, autonomous robots assemble cars, inspect hazardous areas, and move products. In hospitals, they assist nurses, delivering medication or medical records between departments. For those thinking big, automating repetitive tasks guarantees greater quality, precision, and creative freedom for human teams. The adoption of these robots is increasingly accessible, and integration with management systems is becoming more sophisticated—especially with the help of innovation specialists like NextAge.
The future is already here
Technologies that once seemed distant or impossible are now happening here and now, especially for businesses that genuinely want to innovate. Choosing a partner who knows the tech universe makes all the difference when you want to stand out.
NextAge develops custom software solutions, assembles tailored squads, and ensures system support for businesses of any size. If you want to bring a bit of that cinematic future to your business, count on those who make innovation a daily priority.
